UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Over the past year, staff members from across Penn State's University Park campus have worked collaboratively to develop a new Nature and Art Rx program. This new program seeks to connect Penn State students, faculty, staff and community members with nature, art and culture to improve mental and physical well-being through flourishing, as part of the University Strategic Plan.
Various studies in recent decades have brought to light the numerous mental, emotional and physical benefits of immersing oneself in art or spending time in nature.
“Student Affairs is invested in offering primary prevention initiatives to support student mental health and well-being. Nature and Art Rx is just one of the several collaboratives, research-based strategies we have launched under the Flourish Penn State initiative,” said Linda LaSalle, director of Health Promotion and Wellness, a unit in the division of Penn State Student Affairs. “We hope that by engaging with nature and the arts, students will strengthen coping and resiliency skills that support their overall well-being.”
Several initiatives have been created to promote the health benefits of nature and art across campus. A referral process has been implemented by University Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services, where health care providers can refer patients, via a referral card, to connect with nature and art as part of a holistic approach to supporting well-being. Health Promotion and Wellness has incorporated Nature and Art Rx recommendations into its HealthWorks peer educator program. Peer educators have one-on-one sessions with fellow students and can recommend nature or art to promote healthy lifestyles. Nurture in Nature Trails also have been established at the Arboretum, Stone Valley Recreation Area, and Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center to provide self-guided mindfulness walks through nature.
A variety of upcoming events across campus have been developed with a specific focus on Nature and Art Rx.
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Wellness Day, hosted by Campus Recreation at Stone Valley Recreation Area from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 12 will have several nature-based and art wellness activities at Lake Perez. Students can register for free shuttles to Stone Valley through the Campus Recreation registration platform.
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The Center for the Performing Arts and Student Engagement Programs are featuring Vibe Out/Mindful Making, a series of weekly crafting and music events on Thursdays through May 1 in 107 HUB-Robeson.
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The Arboretum at Penn State’s all-day Wild Wellness event on May 17 will showcase environmental education and wellness topics and provide opportunities to participate in nature- and art-based wellness activities.
More information can be found on the Nature and Art Rx webpages, which includes resources to find nature and art opportunities across the University Park campus.